Fort Monmouth



A message from FMERA Chairman James V. GormanAs Chairman of the Board, I am pleased to report that the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) made significant progress in 2016, as we worked to restore lost jobs and economic vitality in this region. Together, we continued to engage the communities of Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls in the cooperative redevelopment process to the benefit of each of our communities. FMERA took steps in 2016 that built on the groundwork laid in previous years for built on the momentum generated in previous years and took steps in 2016 that will impact the Monmouth County region for years to come. Actions taken have laid the groundwork for new technology hubs, new town center projects and new homes, as well as live-work-play opportunities in all three boroughs. Following extensive negotiations with the U.S. Army, FMERA finalized the Phase 2 Economic Development Conveyance Agreement and purchased the balance of Fort Monmouth in November of 2016. With redevelopment underway in Oceanport, Tinton Falls and Eatontown, this and other FMERA actions have positively impacted net job creation and economic growth throughout the Fort. As I do every year, I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank the uncompensated FMERA Board members, our great professional FMERA staff, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and our partners in each of the host municipalities for their hard work, dedication and ongoing commitment to our stated cause. We are proud of our strong 2016 efforts and, we look forward to continued future success in 2017. James V. GormanChairmanFort Monmouth Economic Revitalization AuthorityBackgroundOn August 17, 2010, Governor Chris Christie signed into law the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Act, P.L. 2010, c. 51. The law created the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) to provide investment, continuity and economic growth to the communities impacted by the federal government’s decision to close Fort Monmouth. FMERA replaced the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority (FMERPA) and is charged with advancing that entity’s plan for reuse and redevelopment of the 1,126 acres of real estate that span parts of Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls.23164801468755Fort Monmouth had been a key economic driver in Monmouth County and New Jersey since it was established in 1917 as Camp Little Silver. According to a 2008 report completed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the closing of Fort Monmouth represented the loss of 5,638 direct jobs and approximately 16,000 indirect jobs in the region. The report also found that more than one-third of the Fort’s employees were engineers and scientists. As such, the 20-year Reuse and Redevelopment Plan (Reuse Plan) for Fort Monmouth, created by FMERPA, emphasizes the expeditious creation of jobs and encourages economic growth in the region. The plan strives to balance development with the protection and enrichment of natural resources, while also honoring the rich history of the Fort. The mix of land uses proposed in the plan is deliberately broad to help accelerate redevelopment and provide for the creation of a diverse range of jobs and housing types in order to meet the needs of a demographically diverse population in a competitive and changing marketplace. The inclusion of office, research and development, business services, light manufacturing, retail, housing, homeless accommodations, and civic space reflects the overarching commitment to fulfill the region’s short-, medium- and long-term development goals and provide broad-based economic opportunity. In June 2011, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved the Reuse Plan and Housing Assistance Submission which were completed and approved under the auspices of FMERPA and submitted to HUD in September 2008. Pursuant to its enabling statute, FMERA is empowered to enter into a designated redevelopment agreement with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and into redevelopment agreements with public or private redevelopers; adopt land use, development and design guidelines in coordination with the impacted communities; provide and maintain utilities, streets, roads and other infrastructure; undertake redevelopment activities; and implement revenue-raising measures for the benefit of redevelopment. FMERA is governed by a 13‐member board. The board includes nine voting members consisting of three public members appointed by the Governor, one ex‐officio member of the Executive Branch appointed by the Governor, the mayors of Eatontown, Tinton Falls and Oceanport, one member of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Chair of the EDA. The Commissioners of the New Jersey Departments of Labor and Workforce Development, Environmental Protection, Community Affairs and Transportation serve as ex‐officio, non‐voting members of the board.????Local participation on the Board results in a broad representation of town, county and state interests. Further, the FMERA law requires that five of the nine voting members be residents of Monmouth County. The general public and relevant New Jersey departments and agencies round out the collaborative effort, ensuring a process that balances the needs and interests of all affected stakeholders. In May 2012, FMERA took a historic step in the Fort’s redevelopment with the signing of a Phase 1 Economic Development Conveyance Agreement (Phase 1 EDC Agreement) outlining the transfer process for the first 500+ acres of the property from the U.S. Army to the Authority. The Phase 1 EDC Agreement, approved by the FMERA Board in April 2012, is the overarching agreement between the Army and FMERA, laying out the process by which the Phase 1 properties were transferred. FMERA engaged in an extensive negotiation process with the Army to establish the terms of the Phase 1 EDC Agreement which encompasses the first phase of a two-phased process for the property transfer. Phase 1 consists of Charles Wood, and three parcels on the Main Post, which were transferred to FMERA in 2014. Phase 1 parcels include the Golf Course, Howard Commons, Marina, Clinic parcel, Parcel E, Parcel F, Parcel C, Parcel C1 and Parcel B – all totaling just over 500 acres. In 2016, following extensive negotiations, FMERA purchased the balance of the Fort from the U.S. Army. Details of this historic event are outlined in this year’s annual report. 454914001,126 acres of real estate under FMERA control by the end of the year238 acres on which FMERA acted230 jobs expected as a result of closings 6 RFOTPs issued3 PSARAs signed3 Municipalities with redevelopment opportunities underwayFort monmouth By the numbers2016001,126 acres of real estate under FMERA control by the end of the year238 acres on which FMERA acted230 jobs expected as a result of closings 6 RFOTPs issued3 PSARAs signed3 Municipalities with redevelopment opportunities underwayFort monmouth By the numbers20162016: Major Milestone Punctuates Another Year of Progress at Fort MonmouthThe Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) marked a major milestone in November when it closed on $33 million in financing from the Monmouth County Improvement Authority (MCIA) and purchased the balance of Fort Monmouth from the U.S. Army. The purchase followed extensive negotiations between FMERA and the Army for the Phase 2 Economic Development Conveyance. The MCIA provided the funding through two series of notes. FMERA now owns or controls the entire 1,126 acres of the Fort.FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman, Freeholder Lillian Burry, FMERA Chairman James V. Gorman, Freeholder Director Tom Arnone, and U.S. Army District Chief of Real Estate Division Noreen D. DresserPerhaps the most immediate impact of this transaction The purchase of the Phase 2 propertywas the transfer of the Avenue of Memories to the county. In response to a need expressed by members of the local community for the last several years, the Avenue reopened on January 17, 2017. This busy thoroughfare had been closed since September 11, 2001. also enabled FMERA to transfer the Avenue of Memories to the County, opening a thoroughfare that has been closed since Sept. 11, 2001. The road opened to traffic on January 17, 2017.-762001049655“With the purchase of the Phase 2 properties, working in conjunction with the Monmouth County freeholders and the mayors of Oceanport, Eatontown and Tinton Falls, FMERA will accelerate its proactive approach to attracting developers to Fort Monmouth and bringing jobs back to Monmouth County.” ~FMERA Chairman James V. Gorman00“With the purchase of the Phase 2 properties, working in conjunction with the Monmouth County freeholders and the mayors of Oceanport, Eatontown and Tinton Falls, FMERA will accelerate its proactive approach to attracting developers to Fort Monmouth and bringing jobs back to Monmouth County.” ~FMERA Chairman James V. GormanFMERA now owns or controls the entire 1,126 acres of the Fort. Since its inception, FMERA has aimed to spur economic development and job creation. The purchase of the remainder of the Fort paves the way 454914001,126 acres of real estate under FMERA control by the end of the year238 585 acres on which FMERA acted230 Over 1,200 jobs expected as a result of closingscreated or relocated to the Fort 8 Properties Sold6 RFOTPs issued3 10 Properties PSARAs signedUnder Contract3 Municipalities with redevelopment opportunities underwayFort monmouth By the numbers2016To-Date001,126 acres of real estate under FMERA control by the end of the year238 585 acres on which FMERA acted230 Over 1,200 jobs expected as a result of closingscreated or relocated to the Fort 8 Properties Sold6 RFOTPs issued3 10 Properties PSARAs signedUnder Contract3 Municipalities with redevelopment opportunities underwayFort monmouth By the numbers2016To-Datefor FMERA to close on executed contracts for the Officer Housing, Russel Hall, and the Fitness Center, and accelerate closings on six other pending projects. The purchase of the Phase 2 property also enabled FMERA to transfer the Avenue of Memories to the County, opening a thoroughfare that has been closed since Sept. 11, 2001. The road opened to traffic on January 17, 2017.Redevelopment and Spurring Job CreationFMERA completed the sales of two parcels in 2016, which will result in projects that , resulting in the creation of a permanent home for Trinity Hall, an all-girls high school, and the relocation of fast-growing defense contractor AASKI Technology. Together, these projects are expected to bring 230 jobs to the Fort. center792480“After three years of tremendous growth, Trinity Hall is excited to lay down permanent roots at the former Fort. We are ready to bring community service projects and employment opportunities to this revitalized area. We will be more than good neighbors – we will be good partners.” ~Trinity Hall Head of School Mary Sciarrillo020000“After three years of tremendous growth, Trinity Hall is excited to lay down permanent roots at the former Fort. We are ready to bring community service projects and employment opportunities to this revitalized area. We will be more than good neighbors – we will be good partners.” ~Trinity Hall Head of School Mary SciarrilloIn March, FMERA sold the Child Development Center in Tinton Falls to the non-profit corporation Trinity Hall. Trinity Hall converted the 20,000-square-foot former childcare facility into a modern high school setting. The school, which opened its doors on the Fort in September, anticipates the creation of 100 new jobs as it grows.The renovated facade of the former Child Development Center in Tinton Falls, purchased by Trinity Hall in MarchIn February, RADAR Properties, LLC purchased an approximately 12.25-acre parcel of land in the Fort’s Charles Wood Area in Tinton Falls, which includes Building 2525, an 86,400-square-foot, two-story former administration building. After acquiring the property, RADAR Properties leased 30,000 square feet of space to its affiliate AASKI Technology, a defense contractor and communications engineering firm with offices around the United States. In 2014, AASKI Technology ranked seventh in NJBIZ’s list of fastest growing businesses in New Jersey and took the number 426 spot in the Inc. 5000 list in 2016. By consolidating its New Jersey operations at Fort Monmouth rather than moving to Maryland, AASKI Technology retained 105 jobs in the Garden State and plans to create an additional 25 jobs at Fort Monmouth. FMERA anticipates that the remaining 56,400 square feet of property within Building 2525 will accommodate AASKI’s potential growth, with RADAR seeking to lease any excess space to other technology companies. Consistent with FMERA’s plan to create a technology hub on the Fort, private cloud computing services company TetherView spent its first full year on Fort Monmouth, where it has been subleasing the Russel Hall building in Oceanport. The technology company, which moved to Fort Monmouth from Staten Island, has been subleasing the 42,300-square-foot Russel Hall building since January 2016. TetherView spent 2016 settling in and renovating the facility, with plans to renovate the balance of the building in phases to accommodate?possible tenants. In moving to Russel Hall, TetherView has already brought 30 jobs to the Fort and expects to create or relocate an additional 40 full-time jobs within the next two years. TetherView has also welcomed several small technology companies to the building already, and begun work to bring a tech incubator to the building in 2017.TetherView CEO Michael Abboud at the company's new headquarters, the Russel Hall building in Oceanport.-23495737235“Relocating to the Fort allows TetherView to offer a balanced work/life ratio, enabling us to recruit highly-talented people from the surrounding area. Being located inside of the historic Russel Hall, surrounded by greenery and a park-like campus, makes going to work every day more pleasurable.” ~TetherView Chief Executive Officer Michael Abboud020000“Relocating to the Fort allows TetherView to offer a balanced work/life ratio, enabling us to recruit highly-talented people from the surrounding area. Being located inside of the historic Russel Hall, surrounded by greenery and a park-like campus, makes going to work every day more pleasurable.” ~TetherView Chief Executive Officer Michael AbboudThe Russel Hall parcel is on property FMERA acquired through the purchase of the balance of the Fort in November. Pursuant to a Purchase and Sale and Redevelopment Agreement (PSARA) approved in late 2015, FMERA intends to sell the parcel to TetherView in early 2017.In recognition of these and other significant redevelopment projects at the Fort, FMERA was honored by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders with a resolution commending the Authority for its work on economic development efforts in the County. Marking the National Economic Development week, May 8 – May 14, the resolution noted that FMERA’s efforts are “projected to attract, retain and create 10,000 permanent jobs, double the number lost when the Fort closed in 2011, and yield public and private sector investments in Monmouth County totaling $1.5 billion.” FMERA Inks Redevelopment and Sales Agreements for Development of Fortcenter814705“As we continue to look for ways to bring jobs back to the region, we remain committed to making Fort Monmouth a place where area residents want to spend their free time. The sales and redevelopment agreements signed this year support that vision.” ~FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman 020000“As we continue to look for ways to bring jobs back to the region, we remain committed to making Fort Monmouth a place where area residents want to spend their free time. The sales and redevelopment agreements signed this year support that vision.” ~FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman Furthering its mission of spurring jobs, and its plan to create a live-work-play environment on the Fort, FMERA took action in 2016 to redevelop 238 acres of the Fort, including entering into three PSARAs and . In addition to closing with RADAR Properties and Trinity Hall, FMERA entered into three PSARAs and one Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) in 2016.right2548890The Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls, operated by the County and open to the publicThe Fort Monmouth Recreation Center in Tinton Falls, operated by the County and open to the publicright3004185The Fort Monmouth Recreation Center has been operated by the Monmouth County Park System (MCPS) since August 2014. In February, the FMERA Board approved a PSARA with MCPS for the F-3 parcel in Tinton Falls. The approximately 3.5-acre property contains the 1,335-square-foot former Shopette Building and Gas Station, as well as the accompanying paved and parking areas. MCPS’s proposal for the property includes expanding the parking facilities to accommodate the adjacent Recreation Center property, adding additional storage facilities to support events, creating a dedicated maintenance facility to service the area, and restoring wetlands on-site with an elevated boardwalk to allow for an outdoor classroom. MCPS purchased the property from FMERA in February 2017. FMERA also negotiated a PSA in February for the 6.5-acre teen center and adjacent swimming pool parcel with the MCPS. Together, the teen center, pool and F-3 parcel projects are expected to result in the creation of 38 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs at Fort Monmouth.In February 2016, FMERA signed a PSARA with Kiely Realty Group, LLC (Kiely) for the sale and renovation of the Pistol Range and the Fire & Police Training Area as well as the adjacent Satellite Road Parcel in Tinton Falls. Long Branch-based Kiely plans to redevelop the property in two phases, with development of the existing indoor firearms range into a for-profit commercial firearms range coming first. The range will offer a shooting and educational experience to the public, government entities and private members. Kiely anticipates building a 10,000-square-foot addition to the existing structure, expanding the educational and training areas of the range. The company also expects to create a minimum of 25 full- and part-time jobs at the property, plus 80 temporary positions. For Phase 2, Kiely will lease the adjacent 5,000-square-foot structure located in the southwest part of the property to K. Moorea, LLC, doing business as Traffic Plan. Traffic Plan, which provides traffic safety solutions to utility companies, municipalities and private contractors throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, intends to relocate its senior leadership team and 60 employees to the Fort and expects to add an additional 40 new jobs at the new site. The exterior of the Dance Hall in Oceanport, under contract with AP Development Partners for potential entertainment and restaurant usesWith plans to redevelop the property for commercial and retail uses, including entertainment and restaurants, AP Development Partners entered into a PSARA with FMERA in December for the approximately 4.2-acre Dance Hall parcel in Oceanport. The property contains the 16,000-square-foot former recreation building, better known as the Dance Hall, Van Kirk Park, and associated parking areas. AP Development has indicated that potential users of the facility include a restaurant/café, microbrewery and coffee roaster. Under the PSARA, Van Kirk Park will be retained as open space where entertainment events will be hosted throughout the year.FMERA also spent much of 2016 in exclusive negotiations for the 86-acre Parcel B in Eatontown. Furthering its vision to bring a vibrant, walkable, downtown area to the Fort, FMERA staff entered into exclusive negotiations with Fort Monmouth Parcel B Redevelopment, LLC, a subsidiary of Paramount Realty, in February 2016. Paramount Realty has proposed the creation of “Freedom Pointe,” which it says will include over 350,000 square feet of commercial development, featuring a mix of unique national, regional, and local specialty uses including entertainment, food, fitness, grocery, office, and service. The commercial component of Parcel B is expected to include a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare featuring a two-acre park, best-in-class amenities and technology, extraordinary landscaping and architectural design, and convenient parking throughout the development. The project also includes the development of 302 residential units at Parcel B, with twenty (20) percent of the units developed for low- and moderate-income households. In February 2017, the FMERA Board authorized staff to enter into a PSARA with Fort Monmouth Parcel B Redevelopment, LLC for the property.A conceptual rendering of the commercial portion of Parcel B in Eatontown, as proposed by Paramount Realty.Authority Seeks Proposals for RedevelopmentDevelopment opportunities offered by FMERA in 2016 spanned all three host municipalities – Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls. FMERA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), six Requests for Offers to Purchase (RFOTPs), and a Request for Bids (RFB). right4440555Redevelopment opportunities made available through an RFOTP issued in April for the Squier Hall Complex include educational and office spaces. The Squier Hall Complex, an approximately 31-acre parcel of land containing eight buildings. Squier Hall is included in the Fort’s Green Tech Development District, an area intended to be a high-tech and green industry campus where innovative R&D activities can take place. FMERA is currently in negotiations with the sole bidder on the parcel.right79375Squier Hall, the historic Signal Corps laboratory located in Oceanport, is currently in negotiations for sale and renovation of the building and adjacent propertySquier Hall, the historic Signal Corps laboratory located in Oceanport, is currently in negotiations for sale and renovation of the building and adjacent propertyFMERA sought proposals to redevelop the Charles Wood Fire Station property in Tinton Falls for civic/institutional or commercial/retail uses through an RFOTP issued in May. The four-acre property contains the approximately 10,070-square-foot former Charles Wood Fire Station on approximately 2.3 acres of land, plus the adjacent 1.7-acre vacant land parcel to the east of the Fire Station across Heliport Drive. FMERA is currently in negotiations with the lead proposer for the parcel.right108585000An RFOTP issued for the Eatontown Barracks, which included the adjacent Soldiers Park, sought proposals for the redevelopment of six former World War II-era Barracks (Buildings 1102 through 1107) into a cultural center that promotes the arts. Issued in July, the RFOTP called for Soldiers Park to be deed-restricted open space and notes that potential purchasers and any subsequent owners must maintain the two existing monuments on the property. FMERA is currently in negotiations with the sole bidder on the property.8763000“The addition of a cultural center would add to our holistic vision for the Fort, by encouraging creative redevelopment opportunities and an appreciation for the arts.” ~FMERA Senior Project Officer Candice Valente020000“The addition of a cultural center would add to our holistic vision for the Fort, by encouraging creative redevelopment opportunities and an appreciation for the arts.” ~FMERA Senior Project Officer Candice Valenteright310007000right10795The Charles Wood Fire House in Tinton Falls, currently under negotiationThe Charles Wood Fire House in Tinton Falls, currently under negotiationIn September, FMERA issued a RFB soliciting parties interested in purchasing the Main Post Chapel parcel in Oceanport, which is comprised of five acres of land and a 16,372-square-foot structure, consisting of a 600-seat chapel, an administrative wing, a classroom wing and a kitchen. FMERA sought bids consistent with the Reuse Plan, which calls for the chapel to be reused as a house of worship. The property is in the Oceanport Horseneck Center and the Historic District, although the structure is not considered historic.?In February 2017, Triumphant Life Assembly of God Church purchased the Main Post Chapel parcel from FMERA.3819525919480The Main Post Chapel in Oceanport, purchased by Triumphant Life Church in February 2017The Main Post Chapel in Oceanport, purchased by Triumphant Life Church in February 2017FMERA issued an RFOTP for the Suneagles Golf Course and Megill Housing area in October. Located along Tinton Avenue in Eatontown, the 171-acre parcel also includes historic Gibbs Hall, Joe’s Sports Bar/19th Hole, and the 21 buildings that make up the Megill Housing area. The property also contains an in-ground swimming pool, tennis courts, maintenance facility and pro shop. The Reuse Plan calls for the maintenance of the golf course and the development?of a hotel/conference center in the 10-acre Megill Housing area. However, based on interest from prospective purchasers, as well as input from FMERA’s master broker, Cushman & Wakefield, FMERA also accepted offers that include residential uses that complement the golf course, which may include age-targeted or age-restricted units.Gibbs Hall at Suneagles Golf Course in EatontownFMERA closed out 2016 by issuing two RFOTP on December 29 that will further redevelopment within the Oceanport section of the Fort:One RFOTP sought proposals for redevelopment of the Allison Hall Complex, a 12.6-acre parcel of land containing five buildings, which total approximately 88,129 square feet on Barton and Signal Avenues in the Main Post Area. The RFOTP was specific to the conversion of the 36,665-square-foot Allison Hall to a boutique hotel. Proposals are also sought for the remainder of the parcel to be redeveloped as retail, office/research, and open space. The RFOTP suggested that one possible option is to incorporate Allison Hall into a combined project along the Parker’s Creek waterfront that includes both the Allison Hall parcel and the adjacent Lodging Area with a boutique hotel constructed in an alternate location.Allison Hall and the Lodging Area are shown in this image, both located in Oceanport, adjacent to Parker's Creek and just a short distance from the Little Silver NJ Transit train station.The other RFOTP issued that day was for the Lodging Area, a 15-acre parcel slated for residential, institutional, or mixed-use waterfront redevelopment. The Lodging Area consists of eight buildings, two of which were used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2013 and 2014 to house families displaced by Superstorm Sandy and two others that were identified as historic properties.?FMERA marketed the Lodging Area for residential, institutional, or related uses. Strengthening Operations & Outreach at Fort Monmouth2016 was the Marina at Oceanport’s first full year in business at the former Fort. Since its opening, patrons have been flocking to the waterfront restaurant and bar, which occupies the renovated marina building formerly operated by Fort Monmouth. The facility is currently operating under an agreement between FMERA and the restaurant owner, Mario Criscione, who enhanced the restaurant to include indoor seating for approximately 60 patrons and outdoor seating overlooking the water for another 50 guests. Patrons are also able to take advantage of the additional dining room, with room for 30 guests, which was constructed in late 2015. Boat slips are available at the marina’s easternmost piers closest to the public boat launch to accommodate those looking for a “dock and dine” experience. Views of the Marina at OceanportFor golf enthusiasts, renovations undertaken during the 2015-2016 off-season prepared Suneagles Golf Course?for a busy summer. Almost 29,000 rounds of golf were played at Suneagles in 2016. The course is open seven days a week all year, weather permitting. Opened in 1926, Suneagles was designed by noted golf architect A.W. Tillinghast and has been the site of significant golfing history, including Byron Nelson’s first professional victory in 1935. Gibbs Hall, home of the clubhouse and banquet facility on the Suneagles Golf Course site, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Carrying on a tradition at Fort Monmouth, FMERA joined the U.S. Army to celebrate Flag Day on June 14th. The day celebrated the rich history of Fort Monmouth and honored those who have served in the Army. More than 75 veterans and civilians attended the event commemorating the 241st birthday of the Army, during which a cake was ceremoniously cut by sword by the oldest and youngest active duty or Army veterans present. Flag Day 2016In an effort to facilitate the reuse of Fort properties, the FMERA Board in April approved staff entering into an agreement to transfer certain Charles Wood Area electrical facilities to Jersey Central Power and Light Company (JCP&L), a New Jersey public utility. This enables tenant companies and future property purchasers to?work directly with JCP&L for their electrical services and lets FMERA concentrate on marketing the remaining Phase 1 properties. The agreement transfers the Charles Wood electrical facilities to JCP&L in exchange for JCP&L’s agreement to operate and maintain electrical service to FMERA-owned facilities, and the facilities of tenants and purchasers of FMERA property in the Charles Wood Area.?These facilities include a substation, poles, underground and above-ground cables and transformers.center1310005“With the revitalization of Fort Monmouth in full swing, the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development was the perfect opportunity to showcase the multitude of options available for redevelopment on the Fort. ~FMERA Executive Director Steadman020000“With the revitalization of Fort Monmouth in full swing, the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development was the perfect opportunity to showcase the multitude of options available for redevelopment on the Fort. ~FMERA Executive Director SteadmanFMERA staff, tenants and redevelopers had the opportunity to highlight redevelopment efforts at the Fort during a panel discussion at the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development in September. The discussion was moderated by FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman. Panelists included TetherView Founder/Chief Executive Officer Michael Abboud, Eatontown Mayor Dennis J. Connelly, Cushman & Wakefield Brokerage Services Senior Director Les E. Smith III, and Maurice Zekaria, President of Paramount Realty Services, Inc. and LMS Commercial Real Estate, who each brought a unique perspective to the session.Also at the conference, Commvault, a global leader in enterprise backup, recovery, archive, and the cloud, received the 2016 Leading Economic Development/Redevelopment Award for its vital role in bringing jobs to Fort Monmouth and helping to revitalize the region. Commvault, one of the largest technology employers headquartered in New Jersey, was the first company to set down roots at Fort Monmouth when it purchased the 55-acre Parcel E in Tinton Falls in January 2013. Since then, Commvault has made a substantial investment to complete Phase I of its world mvault's world headquarters, located at Fort Monmouth in Tinton Falls. Commvault was honored with a Leading Economic Development/Redevelopment Award for its role in revitalizing the regionIn December, FMERA continued a tradition first celebrated by the local Army caretaker workforce at Fort Monmouth, when it served as a drop-off site for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program in Monmouth County. The program collects new, unwrapped toys during the last months of the year and distributes them as holiday gifts to needy children in the community. Between October 31 and December 5, FMERA collected and distributed dozens of toys, with the help of the Red Bank chapter of the Marine Corps’ program. Building on the success of meetings started in 2015, FMERA met on a regular basis with ad hoc committees consisting of representatives from Oceanport, Tinton Falls and Eatontown to foster stronger relationships with Fort Monmouth’s host municipalities. The committees have provided a productive and collaborative forum for constructive dialogue and the exchange of information on projects and issues related to the Fort.Looking Aheadleft1042035“Trinity Hall and AASKI Technologies have discovered this year what we’ve known for a while: Fort Monmouth is an ideal location for growth. With additional developers and entities looking to establish themselves at the Fort, we expect 2017 will be a banner year.” ~FMERA Deputy Director Dave Nuse020000“Trinity Hall and AASKI Technologies have discovered this year what we’ve known for a while: Fort Monmouth is an ideal location for growth. With additional developers and entities looking to establish themselves at the Fort, we expect 2017 will be a banner year.” ~FMERA Deputy Director Dave NuseWith the purchase of the balance of Fort Monmouth completed, FMERA staff expect 2017 to be a year of tremendous growth at Fort Monmouth. As Trinity Hall and AASKI Technologies get settled in their new locations on Fort Monmouth, FMERA anticipates they will realize the advantages of locating at Fort Monmouth – its ideal location, New Jersey’s highly-talented workforce, and the multitude of amenities available to their employees. FMERA also expects the presence of AASKI Technology, TetherView and Commvault on the Fort will help to attract additional technology companies, as the formation of a technology hub comes to fruition. Cushman & Wakefield plans to continue marketing the Fort as an attractive destination for development opportunities of all kinds. FMERA will continue to evaluate responses from RFOTPs issued in 2016, and plans to issue RFOTPs for the following properties in the coming months: Barker Circle Complex, Lane Hall, Bowling Alley, and Expo Theater.FMERA heads into its seventh year filled with optimism, confident that the coming year will build upon the successes and milestones achieved in 2016 and bring us closer to realizing the great potential of the Fort Monmouth property. BackgroundOn August 17, 2010, Governor Chris Christie signed into law the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority Act, P.L. 2010, c. 51. The law created the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) to provide investment, continuity and economic growth to the communities impacted by the federal government’s decision to close Fort Monmouth. FMERA replaced the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority (FMERPA) and is charged with advancing that entity’s plan for reuse and redevelopment of the 1,126 acres of real estate that span parts of Eatontown, Oceanport and Tinton Falls.23164801468755Fort Monmouth had been a key economic driver in Monmouth County and New Jersey since it was established in 1917 as Camp Little Silver. According to a 2008 report completed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the closing of Fort Monmouth represented the loss of 5,638 direct jobs and approximately 16,000 indirect jobs in the region. The report also found that more than one-third of the Fort’s employees were engineers and scientists. As such, the 20-year Reuse and Redevelopment Plan (Reuse Plan) for Fort Monmouth, created by FMERPA, emphasizes the expeditious creation of jobs and encourages economic growth in the region. The plan strives to balance development with the protection and enrichment of natural resources, while also honoring the rich history of the Fort. The mix of land uses proposed in the plan is deliberately broad to help accelerate redevelopment and provide for the creation of a diverse range of jobs and housing types in order to meet the needs of a demographically diverse population in a competitive and changing marketplace. The inclusion of office, research and development, business services, light manufacturing, retail, housing, homeless accommodations, and civic space reflects the overarching commitment to fulfill the region’s short-, medium- and long-term development goals and provide broad-based economic opportunity. In June 2011, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved the Reuse Plan and Housing Assistance Submission which were completed and approved under the auspices of FMERPA and submitted to HUD in September 2008. Pursuant to its enabling statute, FMERA is empowered to enter into a designated redevelopment agreement with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and into redevelopment agreements with public or private redevelopers; adopt land use, development and design guidelines in coordination with the impacted communities; provide and maintain utilities, streets, roads and other infrastructure; undertake redevelopment activities; and implement revenue-raising measures for the benefit of redevelopment. FMERA is governed by a 13‐member board. The board includes nine voting members consisting of three public members appointed by the Governor, one ex‐officio member of the Executive Branch appointed by the Governor, the mayors of Eatontown, Tinton Falls and Oceanport, one member of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Chair of the EDA. The Commissioners of the New Jersey Departments of Labor and Workforce Development, Environmental Protection, Community Affairs and Transportation serve as ex‐officio, non‐voting members of the board.????Local participation on the Board results in a broad representation of town, county and state interests. Further, the FMERA law requires that five of the nine voting members be residents of Monmouth County. The general public and relevant New Jersey departments and agencies round out the collaborative effort, ensuring a process that balances the needs and interests of all affected stakeholders. In May 2012, FMERA took a historic step in the Fort’s redevelopment with the signing of a Phase 1 Economic Development Conveyance Agreement (Phase 1 EDC Agreement) outlining the transfer process for the first 500+ acres of the property from the U.S. Army to the Authority. The Phase 1 EDC Agreement, approved by the FMERA Board in April 2012, is the overarching agreement between the Army and FMERA, laying out the process by which the Phase 1 properties were transferred. FMERA engaged in an extensive negotiation process with the Army to establish the terms of the Phase 1 EDC Agreement which encompasses the first phase of a two-phased process for the property transfer. Phase 1 consists of Charles Wood, and three parcels on the Main Post, which were transferred to FMERA in 2014. Phase 1 parcels include the Golf Course, Howard Commons, Marina, Clinic parcel, Parcel E, Parcel F, Parcel C, Parcel C1 and Parcel B – all totaling just over 500 acres. In 2016, following extensive negotiations, FMERA purchased the balance of the Fort from the U.S. Army. Details of this historic event are outlined in this year’s annual report. ................
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